no Shuyaku wa Wareware da (Wrwrd)

Nii-san~ Teaching to Cook

All his life, Nii-san had tasted any food. From small to big, delicious to trashy, and pretty to ugly, he’d stomached it all. Of course, Nii-san couldn’t say that he liked it, especially when the food turned out to be poisonous. But, at least, he could withstand many poisons now.

As expected from a teammate .

Years of experiences also sharpened his observation when it came to dangerous food, and he knew your food wasn’t one of them. It was just that… the display was arguably worse than his plain one. Just a glance, and he could immediately tell everything that had gone wrong with your cooking.

Which was, well, everything.

And yet, you were staring at him so hopefully. Little stars twinkled in your widened eyes as you smiled up to him, hands propping up your recent ‘creation’.

“A thank you gift for helping me all this time.” you’d said when he spotted you bouncing up to him.

Sighing, Nii-san reluctantly took the plate and inspected the fried rice… or burned rice. Regardless, Nii-san decided to give you the benefits of the doubt, and gingerly brought a spoonful into his mouth. Maybe it was still edible… somehow.

… It  wasn’t .

Nii-san’s nose crinkled slightly when he bit the hardened rice, the scorched yet overly salty and sweet taste of the soy sauce left a bitter sensation on his tongue. It was hard to chew without feeling like he was munching on rocks, but he bore it all for your sake. It wasn’t the worst thing he’d ever experienced, anyway, even if he didn’t want to get a stomachache during school.

Just another spoonful, he convinced himself as he closed his eyes stoically, and this torture would end…!

“… It tastes bad, isn’t it?” you inquired suddenly. Looking down, you smiled bitterly. “You… don’t have to keep eating if you don’t like it. Just seeing you accept my gift is enough for me.”

Almost instinctively, Nii-san stopped eating with his hand froze mid-air. Thanking whatever deity that the torture ended earlier than he’d expected, he frowned when he perceived a hint of sadness in your face.

“You just need more practice, that’s all.”

Nii-san wasn’t the type who would give unsolicited advice, but maybe once wouldn’t hurt. Because as much as he hated to admit it, he disliked seeing you looked so dejected. He knew better than anyone how crushing it felt when your hard work just wasn’t enough for other people, after all.

You tittered, rubbing your nape bashfully. “You’re right. But… it’s kinda hard, you know? Osuman doesn’t give me much lessons or teaching, to begin with, and Cino isn’t exactly the best teacher.”

“You’re right, he’s not.” Nii-san responded almost immediately, recalling all the chaos the bluenett had caused in the kitchen.

Then, he swiftly backtracked, eyes widened a little.

Teacher…? Did that mean–?

… Well, well, well. Nii-san pursed his lips, trying to repress the smirk that threatened to break out. Wasn’t it just a perfect opportunity? How nice of you to provide him a way into your life…

“I can teach you, if you want.” he offered coolly to avoid revealing his excitement at the prospect of spending more time with you. Couldn’t have you suspecting less than noble intention, could he?

And, as expected, you perked up. “R-really? You’ll do that, Nii-san?”

“Of course.”

You were his crush, after all. Obviously, he was willing to do anything for a girl like you, especially if it gave him more benefits than to you.

But you didn’t need to know that, of course.

In your eyes, he was a hero who came just to teach you how to cook, and Nii-san was intent on keeping it that way.

Even if it meant abusing his status as your soon-to-be teacher.

Not that you’d suspect anything, though. Nii-san was quite confident in his scheming skills. And besides, your fondness towards him just made it easier for him to ‘guide’ you to the right path; to his grasp.

You cheered, raising your fist jubilantly. “Yes, thank you! You’re the best, Nii-san!” you chirped. “So, when will we start, Nii-san?”

Crossing his arms over his chest, Nii-san mentally smirked at the change of nickname. “As soon as possible.”

The sooner, the better, after all.